Bottom Line:
A statistically significant difference (P=0.007) was observed for "breath holding", and more females than males were not able to hold their breath.Although no significant difference was seen in the "accurate number of times of inhalation", females tended to not be able to inhale accurately compared to males (P=0.072).Our results suggest that elderly female patients with asthma have less understanding of inhaled steroid therapy, compared to elderly male patients.

Background: The number of elderly patients with asthma has been increasing in Japan. Treatment for these patients should be provided based on the condition of individual patients. This study was performed to clarify the relationship between inhalation procedure and sex difference in elderly patients with asthma.

Methods: The inhalation procedure was examined in 155 elderly patients with asthma (male: n=66, average age ± standard deviation: 75.5±5.65 years old; female: n=89, average age ± standard deviation: 78.7±6.87 years old) during a medical examination.

Results: For the three items that were common to all devices, the percentages of the 155 patients who could/could not perform the actions were examined by separate Fisher's exact tests for males and females. A statistically significant difference (P=0.007) was observed for "breath holding", and more females than males were not able to hold their breath. Although no significant difference was seen in the "accurate number of times of inhalation", females tended to not be able to inhale accurately compared to males (P=0.072).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that elderly female patients with asthma have less understanding of inhaled steroid therapy, compared to elderly male patients. Therefore, it is particularly important to confirm that the correct inhalation procedure is used by elderly female patients with asthma.

f4-cia-10-1305: Results for use of a Turbuhaler.Note: Average age ± standard deviation.

Mentions:
For patients using a Turbuhaler (male: 26, female: 31), an “open air duct” was found in 85% of males and 81% of females, with no significant difference. However, the rates of three other items (“correct rotation of the inhaler”, “vertical setting during rotation”, and “sufficient inhalation”) were 89%, 85%, and 89% in males and 78%, 71%, and 78% in females, respectively, with each item having approximately a 10% lower rate in females (Figure 4). The “confirmation of counting of residual amount” was 86% in males and 80% in females, which were almost the same percentages.

f4-cia-10-1305: Results for use of a Turbuhaler.Note: Average age ± standard deviation.

Mentions:
For patients using a Turbuhaler (male: 26, female: 31), an “open air duct” was found in 85% of males and 81% of females, with no significant difference. However, the rates of three other items (“correct rotation of the inhaler”, “vertical setting during rotation”, and “sufficient inhalation”) were 89%, 85%, and 89% in males and 78%, 71%, and 78% in females, respectively, with each item having approximately a 10% lower rate in females (Figure 4). The “confirmation of counting of residual amount” was 86% in males and 80% in females, which were almost the same percentages.

Bottom Line:
A statistically significant difference (P=0.007) was observed for "breath holding", and more females than males were not able to hold their breath.Although no significant difference was seen in the "accurate number of times of inhalation", females tended to not be able to inhale accurately compared to males (P=0.072).Our results suggest that elderly female patients with asthma have less understanding of inhaled steroid therapy, compared to elderly male patients.

Background: The number of elderly patients with asthma has been increasing in Japan. Treatment for these patients should be provided based on the condition of individual patients. This study was performed to clarify the relationship between inhalation procedure and sex difference in elderly patients with asthma.

Methods: The inhalation procedure was examined in 155 elderly patients with asthma (male: n=66, average age ± standard deviation: 75.5±5.65 years old; female: n=89, average age ± standard deviation: 78.7±6.87 years old) during a medical examination.

Results: For the three items that were common to all devices, the percentages of the 155 patients who could/could not perform the actions were examined by separate Fisher's exact tests for males and females. A statistically significant difference (P=0.007) was observed for "breath holding", and more females than males were not able to hold their breath. Although no significant difference was seen in the "accurate number of times of inhalation", females tended to not be able to inhale accurately compared to males (P=0.072).

Conclusion: Our results suggest that elderly female patients with asthma have less understanding of inhaled steroid therapy, compared to elderly male patients. Therefore, it is particularly important to confirm that the correct inhalation procedure is used by elderly female patients with asthma.